• Ask an allergist about allergy shots, called venom desensitization, for allergies to insect stings.

Allergy to Exercise

• Exercise with a friend who knows how to administer epinephrine.

• Don’t exercise for at least four and preferably six hours after eating. Exercise allergy often is associated with food allergies.

• Avoid aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before exercise. The painkillers have been associated with exercise-induced anaphylaxis in some patients. If you develop hives, itching or other symptoms while exercising, stop.

Even though it can save their life, many people prone to anaphylaxis don’t carry epinephrine injection kits with them at all times. This is the first step in preventing anaphylaxis. Epinephrine decreases swelling induced by anaphylaxis and lowers your blood pressure. It also fights secondary symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as itching, flushing, hives, sneezing etc. If you want to prevent anaphylaxis, make sure you keep an epinephrine injection kit with you at all times.